Offensive Woes Continue to Loom: Generals Drop Their Fifth Straight

The Flint Generals (3-9-0-2) hosted the Dayton Gems (5-5-0-3) at Perani Arena Friday night, as the Generals hoped to end their four game slide and win one at home for their beloved fans.

The Generals have had considerable trouble on their power play, and have been lacking any type of offensive muscle/passion in this young IHL season.

The G-Men have found themselves in a hole, they've only earned eight out of a possible 30 points, and must make drastic strides if they hope to be in playoff contention come spring.

There is a reason for fans to question the adherence and effort of their team lately. The Generals' roster boasts some of the best talent in the leauge, but that's on paper of course. Within the line up lies a Stanley Cup Winner, two grizzled NHL veterans, NCAA Frozen Four Champions, and Team USA talent. What seems to be the problem? Why can't the Generals string together wins, and more importantly, why can't they regain the competitive spirit that team had in years past.

Jamie Schaafsma scored the lone Generals goal in the first period, cutting their deficit to just one goal. Schaafsma leads the team in goals with four on the season, and is a talented player offensively. The Generals will need more production from number 26 in the future to add any type of potency to the line-up.

The Dayton Gem offense managed to give Flint goaltender J.F. Labbe fits in the early goings, and Coach Jason Muzzatti was forced to pull him, opting for the highly touted rookie net-minder Rob Nolan (Michigan Tech). Labbe gave up three goals in the first period on just 15 shots faced.

John Snowden and Joe VanCulin got the Gems started in the first frame, both lighting the lamp for Dayton in the first 20 minutes. VanCulin's goal came on the power play and Sam Bloom was awarded a penalty shot on which he successfully used J.F. Labbe to his advantage, giving the Gems a two goal cushion going into the second set.

The Generals managed to keep pace when it came to shots on goal, they were just about equal with Dayton, 37-36, advantage Gems, they just couldn't find the back of the net.

Flint's dismal power play has been their weakness, going 0 for 5 on the night, finding it hard to manufacture any type of scoring chances when they have the man advantage. Dayton was able to capitalize on one of their power plays, ending the night 1 for 4.

There are some poignant questions being raised by fans, and why shouldn't there be? Fans are questioning the coaching and direction that the franchise is taking, and need answers promptly. 

The Generals have lost five straight games and are falling further behind the pack with every loss. There needs to be some major changes soon if the Generals have designs on the playoffs.

I took the time to ask IHL scorer Doug Bailey his thoughts on the turmoil within the organization, he simply stated "That's something that I can't answer", later adding "that's your guys' (the media) job".

Flint ended up on the wrong of the ledger as Dayton skated past the Generals 4-1.

The Generals will travel to Dayton on Sunday in an attempt to gain ground on the rest of the league and vindicate the four losses that the Gems have handed them in the last few weeks. Muskegon will visit the Perani Arena on Wednesday, which brings up the question, "Can they win one for the fans?"